Santa Clara University

Thomas R. Johnston ’68 was 66 years old.  3/30/1946 to 5/23/2012.

Takeshi Robert Takeuchi '68 died on May 3, 2008. 

Samuel H. Vaught J.D. '68 passed away on March 28, 2011 in Watsonville, Calif., following a lengthy illness. Born in San Antonio, Texas, he was 79 years old. Mr. Vaught was raised in Texas, and served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey at the Navy Post Graduate School, studying Russian. His skills allowed him to break Russian codes while stationed in North Japan. Following his military career, Mr. Vaught attended U.S.C. and later graduated from Santa Clara University Law School. He worked his way through law school while working for the railroad, and taking care of his baby daughter; at times studying with her on his lap on a meager three hours sleep per day. Mr. Vaught moved to Santa Cruz in 1975 and began his private law practice with Dennis Caspe. His career in law spanned over 28 years and his family and colleagues will forever remember his love for a good argument, and his stubbornness which kept his friends and family engaged, as well as entertained. He was an active parishioner of Christ Lutheran Church in Aptos, and also enjoyed camping, fishing, and was an accomplished cook. He is survived by his daughter, Judy A. Barclay of Folsom, California, his four loving grandchildren: Sean, Lance, Lexi, Audrey; and his niece, Joann Frankena and also his nephew Tom Koelln. Mr. Vaught also leaves many dear friends and colleagues in Santa Cruz County including: Colleen Ward, Marshall Bautz, Bob Yonts, and Dennis Caspe.

Michael Rewak '68 passed away on Friday, July 23, 2010. The Rewak family lost their beloved father, husband, brother, and son at age 63. Mike passed away surrounded by his family while resting peace-fully at home in Mukilteo, Wash. He was born September 21, 1946, and grew up in San Jose, Calif. He graduated from Santa Clara University and was active in student affairs and athletics. He moved to the Northwest and raised his family in Edmonds, Wash. Mike was a long-time employee of the Fluke Corporation in Everett. He was preceded in death by his father, William Rewak; and survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sue Rewak '69; and his children, Karie Dostert '99 and Steve Dostert, and Scott and Belinda Rewak. Mike is also survived by grandchildren, Bryce, Georgia, Lorelei, Shelby, Dustin, Brittany, and Dillon; his mother, Eldora Rewak; and his siblings, Fr. William Rewak, who served as president of Santa Clara University 1976–1988; Bob and Sue Rewak, Dana Cole '73, and Patty and Frank Lima; as well as many nieces and nephews including Jeanine L. Conner '81. Family, friends and golf partners remember and admire Mike's optimism, gentle spirit, generosity, kindness, and warmth.

Michael A. Fowler '68  died unexpectedly from cardiac arrest while hospitalized near his Rosamond, Caif. home on December 21, 2009, with his daughter, Melinda Fowler, by his side. He was the son of lifelong Los Gatos residents, the late Robert H. Fowler, retired Southern Pacific employee, and the late Geraldine A. "Mina" Lepurin-Fowler, who owned and operated Idamina's Fashions in Los Gatos for over 30 years. Michael was also the great-great grandson to Samuel L. Lord, a Civil War Veteran and one of the patriarchs of the family. Mike was a three-sport athlete and scholastic achiever at Los Gatos High, class of '64, and continued to play football at Santa Clara University for four years, where he met and married the late Judy Swenson-Fowler before he graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration. He also participated in ROTC while there. After further training and a year in Vietnam he returned to San Jose to join the leadership of Carl N. Swenson Construction Co. with clients including G.M., Ford, Signetics, Fairchild, Lone Star, the San Jose Mercury News, Lockheed, IBM and numerous others. In the early 1970s for a couple of years he served as president of San Jose's Tapestry and Talent Festival. For the last 11 years, Mike worked as senior estimator and project manager for Camco Pacific Builders of Calif. and Nevada, specializing in commercial, industrial, retail, and military building and development. He was continually commended for his non-stop work and energy to build. Survivors include his two daughters, Melinda and Gayle, brother Greg, and sister Patricia Valdenaire and her family of Roquefort, France, and six grandchildren. Mike's son Arne died tragically 24 years ago.

Lawrence Howard Bakken Jr. JD ’68 passed away on December 24, 2011 in Livermore at the age of 80, after a lengthy illness.

Larry was born in Chicago and moved with his parents, Lawrence Howard Bakken, Sr and Viola May to Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul. He obtained a bachelor and master of science degrees in civil engineering from University of Minnesota. While working a part time job at University of Minnesota Hospitals he met a dietetic intern, Evelyn McAuley from Manitoba and they married a year later.

He worked at Convair Aircraft Company in San Diego and taught Engineering classes at San Diego State. He attended graduate school at University of California, Berkeley. Next employment was at the Sandia Labs in Livermore. While working there he enrolled in the evening classes at University of Santa Clara School of Law. He graduated with a J.D., degree and was employed with a private law firm in Hayward. He returned to the scientific field at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore where he was employed until retirement 22 years later.

Larry was an active member of Livermore Rotary and the local Chamber of Commerce. He was involved in community groups, SIR's and League of Women Voters. He was appointed to the Alameda County Consumer Affairs Council. He was friendly, industrious, adventuresome and an avid reader. He loved to travel and to dance to Big Band music. He enjoyed his collection of classic cars and appreciated Art Deco. Larry had an endless zeal for learning. He had an infectious laugh and will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

A long time member of First Presbyterian Church in Livermore, he served a term as financial officer and was a charter member of a couples group. He was predeceased by his parents, Uncle Bill (Lila), Aunt Ethel and sister, Viola Mae Kanatz. Surviving family are wife, Evelyn of 55 years and daughter Lauren (Roger) Van Maren, four brothers- in- law David Kanatz, Douglas (wife Chris), Robert (wife Leah), Keith and sister-in-law Beth (husband Ray), cousins Gail (Eric) Johnson and Paul (Susan) Bakken.

John Vincent M.A. ’68, who served as principal of Ladera School from 1968 to 1978 and vice principal of La Entrada School for many years, died July 18. He was 84.

Jerry Franklin Kirk M.S. ’68, 80, a resident of Santa Clara, entered into rest on Aug. 4, 2012, at the Terraces of Los Gatos, a skilled nursing facility, after fighting a battle with cancer. Jerry was born in Salisbury, N.C., to Arnold Burtis Clay Kirk and Virley (Maxwell) Kirk on April 13, 1932.

He was preceded in death by his parents, ABC and Virley (Maxwell) Kirk; and his brothers and sisters, John Clay (Catherine), Dorothy Eamich (Richard), Raymond (Lois), Arnold Jr (Ettamae), Mildred Shortall (William), Evelyn Jean Kirk-Ramsey (Jack) and Margaret Larabee (Leo). He is survived by his sister, Nina Jo Kirk-Scoggins (William) of Lexington, N.C.; three sons, Steven Arnold, Kevan Scot and Jody Kenneth; and five grandchildren.

Jerry graduated from Boyden High School in Salisbury Class of 1950. He served as a radar engineer in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. After his military service, Jerry attended the University of Maryland and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Jerry married Betty Jo Gregg in San Diego, Calif. He spent most of his career at, and retired from, Lockheed-Martin in Sunnyvale, Calif. He worked primarily on the now declassified reconnaissance satellite programs "Gambit" and "Hexagon." Since the programs became declassified, Jerry was able to share the details of his involvement in the programs and was extremely proud of his contribution to the programs success.

Jerry continued his education while raising a family and working for Lockheed-Martin and obtained a Masters in Engineering from Santa Clara University. While Jerry was growing up, the family owned a horse at the Milford Hills residence outside of Salisbury, N.C. Through his childhood experiences, Jerry developed a life-long passion for horses and horse racing. Once asked what made him smile, his response was, "Picking a horse race winner!"

Jerry A. Howard MBA '68 died Dec. 18, 2009 in McKinney, Texas. He was 67 years old. He was born on September 17, 1942 in Moscow, Idaho, to Alfred and Adeline (Boller) Howard. Dr. Howard grew up in Potlatch, Idaho. He graduated from the University of Idaho, in Moscow, on a football and track scholarship. He earned his Bachelor Degree in Business Agriculture. Dr. Howard received his MBA at Santa Clara University, and earned his doctorate of economics from Washington State University. While in college, Dr. Howard worked six months with impoverished farmers in South Korea, on a youth service project. He also worked in Nigeria, teaching crop management for FMC Corporation. Dr. Howard married Peggy Cass Begala on April 11, 1981, in Houston, Texas. Dr. Howard was CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Atrion Corporation from 1984 to 1998, and also worked with many different charitable organizations, including serving as President of the United Way in Florence, Alabama. He took great pleasure in mentoring his stepchildren as well as many young business associates. Although Dr. Howard's business career took him to many places, his heart was always in Potlatch, Idaho with his family and many friends. Some of his fondest memories were of working with his father, brothers and cousins on the family ranch. His keen sense of adventure led him to try his hand at everything from bull riding to downhill skiing to big game hunting to obtaining his pilot's license to leading a group of Texas students to Colima, Mexico to study Spanish, at age 60. Dr. Howard is survived by his wife Peggy. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Kathleen Begala, and husband, Yves Istel of New York, New York, David Begala and wife, Becky, of Houston, Texas, Paul Begala and wife, Diane, of McLean, Virginia, Christopher Begala and wife, Jeanie, of Houston, Texas, and Michael Begala of Addison, Texas. His grandchildren filled his life with joy. They are: John, Billy, Charlie, Patrick, Sam, Grace, Katherine, Nicole, and Christopher Begala. Dr. Howard is also survived by his brothers, John Howard and wife Jennifer, of Potlatch, Idaho; and Julian Howard, of Lewiston, Idaho; and a host of other loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Adeline (Boller) Howard.

Jack Keuhler '54 on Dec. 20, 2008.  A native of Grand Island, Neb., he started at IBM as an associate engineer at the San Jose Research Laboratory in 1958. He was elected IBM senior vice president in May 1982 and became vice chairman of the board and a member of the executive committee in January 1988. He was elected president in May 1989 and resumed the title of vice chairman in 1993. The former engineering alumnus served on SCU's Board of Trustees, and in 2005 he and his wife donated $1 million to the School of Engineering. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children; and 12 grandchildren.

Grady B. Hall '68 passed away on June 5, 2008. 

Gerald Lee Walker, 66, of Cannon Beach, died Monday, June 28, 2010, in Seaside, Ore. He was born Feb. 7, 1944, in Vancouver, Wash., to missionaries Orland and Nola Archer Walker. His parents preceded him in death. Raised in Eugene, he attended South Eugene High School. In 1961, he married Susan Philpin, the mother of his son. They later divorced. He worked for the Lockheed Corporation while attending college. In 1968, he graduated from the University of Santa Clara, Calif., with a law degree. In 1992, he married Kathy White of Arizona. They later divorced. In 1969, upon passing the bar exam, he partnered to work for Kane, Canelo & Walker, Attorneys at Law in Merced, Calif. As a trial lawyer his specialties were personal injury and wrongful death. He later went on to enjoy a successful career in corporate law and became the general council for Tescon America in 1986. He retired in 1992. After retiring, he assisted his parents in their missionary work and traveled around the world. Family members said he enjoyed collecting art, traveling, hiking, watching sports and rooting for the underdog. He enjoyed challenges and did volunteer work for people he felt were being taken advantage of. He is survived by two sisters and their families, Patricia Klonoski of Tucson, Ariz., and Betty Allison of Vida; and a son, Darryl Walker of Cannon Beach. He was preceded in death by a brother.

Fred "Freddie" Domino ’61, J.D. ’68 was born in Chicago in 1939 and passed away on Jan. 2, 2013, in Morgan Hill. He was a lawyer. His parents were Sylvester "Jack" Domino and Ann Domino. His sister was Kathy Domino. He is survived by wife Ruby Domino of Morgan Hill, daughter Dawn Domino of Morgan Hill, niece Trista (Domino) Zwemke of Palm Springs, and nephews David Domino of San Jose and Thomas Angelo Smith of San Francisco. He loved golfing and taking trips to Italy.

Edward "Skeeter" Scanlan ‘68 on Jan. 31, 2010 after a 5-year battle with cancer. Edward was brought into this world on July 27, 1946 to Richard "Dick" and Katherine "Kay" (Perusina) Scanlan. His family history is one that is deeply rooted in the Santa Clara Valley dating back to the 1870s. With his father a descendant of Irish immigrants and his mother of Croatian, many old world values were instilled in him from the beginning. He spent a great deal of time while growing up on the family's ranch in Cupertino that grew apricots, prunes, and cherries. From childhood, his family and friends knew Edward affectionately as "Skeeter." It was evident, at an early age, the love Ed had for building things and working with tools. He was always thinking "outside the box" and coming up with something new. He loved to work on cars with his father and anything mechanical always piqued his interest. As young as the age of 12, Edward made from scratch a walking, talking robot out of household scraps. That landed him an appearance on the Captain Satellite Show which was popular for children in the 1950s. He attended Blackford High School, Santa Clara University, and then upon graduating received his master's from the University of the Redlands. His creativeness was never ending, enough so that he was offered a job on the Imagination Team that was spearheaded by none other than Walt Disney. As he got older his love for anything mechanical grew. In his teens and into his early 20s he built award-winning slot cars and models, of which two won the Grand National Roadster show in Oakland for his category. With his father being a charter member, Ed was also a member of the West Coast Chapter of the Crosley Club as one of his pastimes was to collect and restore these cars. Eventually Ed found his passion in model trains. From the H.O. Scale to the narrow gauge, live steam that he was hoping to finish that encircles his house. He is known by many as "The man with tracks in his driveway." His love for everything mechanical followed Ed into his work place for many years to follow. He worked at Chemelex on heat tracing for nuclear power plants. In the late 1970s and into the mid-1980s, he worked for the government at Quantic Industries making parts for the space shuttles. He found his final workplace to be Lifescan in Milpitas of 22 years. Ed is survived by his wife Linda, sons Christopher, Patrick, and Daniel, and his sister Patty Massa.

Douglas Demmert, BA '68, passed away Aug. 9, 2009, in Glendale, Calif. He leaves behind his wife Pam (Edwards) '68, son Greg, daughter Allison, brother Henry Demmert '65, and three grandchildren.